Concerns of Adipa residents over landfill site justified, but… – Former AMA Mayor

Former Accra Mayor Mohammed Nii Adjei Sowah has supported residents’ demands for proper management of the Adipa landfill amid concerns over waste being transported from Agbogbloshie to the facility. Acknowledging the community’s worries, he argued that shutting down the landfill outright could exacerbate Accra’s already problematic waste management situation.

The former mayor emphasized that residents are right to prioritize a well-engineered landfill site to mitigate environmental and health risks. He noted that leachate, foul odors, and flies from improperly managed landfills can severely impact nearby communities. However, he stressed that Accra faces a significant challenge in finding suitable disposal sites due to rapid urbanization and land ownership issues.

Adjei Sowah clarified that the waste being transported to Adipa is largely from dredging operations around the Korle Lagoon, not the city’s daily waste. He urged the government to be transparent about the clearance process and how the site will be maintained afterward. Adjei Sowah stressed that while new disposal facilities are needed, proper engineering, management, and communication with affected communities are crucial to minimizing environmental and health risks.